Microstructure evolution and mechanical behavior of SS316L alloy fabricated by a non-toxic and low residue binder jetting process

•An environmentally friendly PVA-based binder with high water content was designed for binder jetting process.•The developed binder can be completely removed and resulted a low carbon and oxygen residual in sintering part.•A fully dense SS316L with fine equiaxed grain was obtained by a continuous debinding-sintering treatment.•Isotropic tensile properties were obtained with UTS of 535 MPa, and extremely high elongation of 53 %.